Integrative views on dual-task costs

Band, G.P.H., Jolicoeur, P., Akyurek, E.G. and Memelink, J. (2006) Integrative views on dual-task costs. European Journal of Cognitive Psychology, 18 (4). pp. 481-492. ISSN 0954-1446 doi: 10.1080/09541440500422675

Abstract/Summary

In this paper, we introduce a special issue about unique and shared mechanisms underlying the performance limitations observed in dual tasks. In particular, the relationship between task-switching costs, the attentional-blink effect, and the psychological refractory period effect is reviewed. These costs are traditionally attributed to fixed and unique capacity limitations for task set reconfiguration, target identification, and response selection, respectively However, we argue that more global attentional processes play a role that cuts across these paradigms. This is reason for a more paradigm-independent approach to processing limitations in dual tasks.